George Macaluso

George Macaluso
Otisville, New York
Born in Belleville, New Jersey, in 1939 to the late Joseph and Josephine Macaluso, George was a brother to seven siblings: Charlie, Jimmy, Joe (surviving), Ralph (surviving) Richard, David, Angela, and Robert. George was predeceased by his daughter, Simone Demberg. George graduated from Belleville High School in 1958 and initially worked as a carpenter, learning his craft from his uncle Rocky. Eventually, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra Wilson. George soon decided to leave the construction field and joined the Newark Police Department in 1966, eventually becoming a New Jersey state trooper in 1969. He knew the tri-state area highway systems like the back of his hand. Never needing maps or directions, it was as if he had a built-in GPS.
After retiring from the state troopers, he returned to his first love, carpentry. He was always happiest when working with his hands and loved being outdoors. George had four children: Simone (Steve), George (Tina), Joe (Glynis) and Heath (Nikki). His love for family and the importance he placed on bringing them together were significant parts of his life. Annual gatherings at the Villa Roma and competing in the Bocce tournament were among his favorite.
George loved to cook and his three signature dishes - sausage and peppers, broccoli and cavatelli and eggplant parmesan - were staples at every family function. His unique sense of humor could be challenging to keep up with, always willing to laugh or tell a joke.
George loved riding motorcycles, working out at the gym, and most notably, playing golf, golf, and more golf. He would play with anyone, anytime. George is survived by his nine beautiful grandchildren: Aidan, Austin, Sarah, Shyla, Maddy, Mia, Sofia, Jaida, and Hiruy. To his grandchildren, he was everything. His nickname was Pop Pop, and everybody who knew him and got to know him would eventually refer to him as Pop Pop.
A Celebration of Life will be on October 21st at Noon: Holy Name Church, 45 Highland Ave, Otisville NY. Repast following.
Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940.